Ten Step Process. The design of a conservation development shall
follow the design process specified in the following steps. Some steps
can be done simultaneously, and all are integrated into the review
process for a major or minor subdivision. The applicant can use existing
RI Geographic Information System data for conceptual designs to be
supplemented with site specific field verification of wetlands, other
constraints to development and other natural, cultural and recreational
site features that may be located on the parcel. As a guide in designing
conservation developments, applicants are encouraged to review the
provisions of the Rhode Island Conservation Development Manual, RIDEM,
June 2003 in the preparation of plans. The maps illustrated in this
manual will provide graphic examples of what is required of applicants.
When the master plan is submitted for a major subdivision, or the
preliminary plan for a minor subdivision, the applicant shall demonstrate
to the Planning Commission that this design process was considered
in determining the layout of proposed streets, building locations,
and open space.
Step 1 - Analyze the site. The first step is to identify and map all the constraints to development as defined in Section
2.2. Next is to inventory existing noteworthy natural, cultural and recreational site features, and determine the connection of these important features to each other, adjacent parcels and priority for protection. For the master plan phase, this information shall be submitted in the form of an existing resources and site analysis map, as specified in Subsection 8.C below.
Step 2 - Evaluate site context. The second step is to evaluate
the parcel in its larger context of the neighborhood and town by identifying
natural, cultural and recreational resources that may be impacted
by the development of the parcel. This information shall be submitted
in the form of a site context map, as specified in Subsection 8.B
below.
Step 3 - Determine maximum number of house lots. At the master plan phase for a major subdivision, or at the preliminary plan phase for a minor subdivision, the applicant and Planning Commission shall agree upon a number of house lots that will be permitted in the conservation development, using the yield plan approach as described in Section
4.3. This number shall not be greater than what would be permitted under a conventional subdivision.
Step 4 - Designate potential conservation areas. The fourth
step is to identify the areas on the site to be preserved as open
space. The open space shall at a minimum include portions of the site
that have constraints to development and which constitute the most
sensitive and noteworthy natural, cultural and recreational resources
of the site. Where appropriate, areas that serve to extend neighborhood
open space networks to/from surrounding property shall be identified.
The designation of open space shall reflect consistency with the town
comprehensive plan.
Step 5 - Locate development areas and explore conceptual alternatives.
As part of the pre-application submission, the applicant shall show
a minimum of two alternative proposed development layouts in the form
of a concept plan overlain on appropriate site mapping, as described
in Subsection 8.A below. These alternative plans shall be substantially
different and avoid or minimize development impacts, to the extent
possible, to the potential conservation areas identified in step 4.
The Planning Commission shall review how each alternative impacts
the viability of the development plan, versus the benefits to the
town of each approach. This concept plan shall be further refined
for re-submission and discussion between the commission and applicant
during subsequent phases of review, as an overlay to the existing
resources and site analysis map.
Step 6 - Locate the house sites. The sixth step is to locate
the most suitable location(s) for house sites, using the proposed
open space as a base map as well as other relevant data on the existing
resources and site analysis map. The design shall take into account
the potential negative impacts of residential development on nearby
conservation areas as well as the potential positive benefits of such
locations to provide attractive views and visual settings for residences,
with emphasis on consistency with the town's rural character.
Step 7 - Lay out streets, trails and other infrastructure. Upon
designation of the house sites, a street plan shall be designed to
provide vehicular access to each house, complying with the standards
herein and bearing a logical relationship to topographic conditions.
Detailed information regarding low impact development stormwater management,
water supply and wastewater treatment, trails, sidewalks and other
infrastructure are also provided during this step.
Step 8 - Draw in the lot lines. Upon completion of the preceding
seven steps, the next step is simply to draw in the lot lines to delineate
the boundaries of individual residential lots. Where possible, lot
lines shall not include any areas with constraints to development.
Step 9 - Design and program open space. Details regarding the
use, design, ownership and management of proposed open spaces shall
be developed throughout the review process. Starting with conceptual
proposals at the early stages of review, the function of open space
areas shall be developed and refined. Based on review by the Planning
Commission and input from other interested and relevant parties, these
concepts shall be clarified during the approval process to establish
as clear an approach to the use and maintenance of open space as it
does for development areas.
Step 10 - Establish ownership and management of open space and
other community elements. At the preliminary plan phase for a major
subdivision, or at the final plan phase for a minor subdivision, a
more detailed open space use and management plan as described in Subsection
10.D below shall be submitted.